The frontman, in his third spell at the Abbey Park Club, revealed afterwards that he promised his dad Ian Snr, who passed away last year, he would hit the ton target for his hometown club.

And the thought of fulfilling that promise sparked the wild celebrations that followed his Roy of the Rovers style winner at Holm Park.

He said: “It’s fantastic to finally reach 100 ­– it seems like I’ve been sitting on 99 for ages and I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about it a lot.

“I've had to be patient for my chance though because guys like Ben Lewis and Bryan Boylan have been on fire and quite rightly keeping me out the team.

“A million things were running through my head when the chance fell to me but I remember promising my dad I’d get 100 goals for him so it was a special moment for me. My dad would have been very proud.”

Buffs boss Chris Strain also paid tribute to the striker, adding: “Ian is absolutely buzzing right now and deservedly so.

“He has worked hard for his rewards and has been a great servant to the club and long may it continue."

To mark his terrific achievement, the Irvine Herald presented Cashy with a commemorative cake at training on Monday night.

CASHY FACTFILE

Cashmore has had three successful spells at Abbey Park (Image: Steve McKendrick)

2003-2005: Joins Kilwinning Rangers from Troon aged 21 and bags an incredible 59 goals in two seasons, winning the Super League, Super Cup and North Ayrshire Cup along the way. His form wins him a move to the senior ranks with Ayr United.

2012-2013: Rejoins the Abbey Park side from Glenafton and nets 21 goals as George Grierson’s side romp to Ayrshire District League glory. He starts the 2013/2014 season on fire, banging in 15 goals before financial problems force the club to sell their top asset to Ardrossan Winton Rovers in December.

2015-present: New boss Chris Stain brings the fans’ favourite back home for a third spell at Abbey Park and he immediately sets his sights on reaching the ton target. A spectacular overhead kick against former club Winton in August takes his goals tally to 99 to leave him on the brink. The strike goes viral with over 16,000 views but the frontman has to wait a further three months for his moment of glory against Clydebank.